Life Safety Risks Posed by New Age Interior Architecture Materials During a Fire: Evidence from Case Study Analysis

Interior finishes are a crucial part of designing a building’s interior as it transforms the basic structure into an aesthetic and visually pleasing space. Research suggests finishing materials need to perform basic functional qualities which include safety and fire resistance to ensure the health and welfare of the occupants. In present day scenario, authors see a diverse range of interior finishes with natural and synthetic materials being used in the design industry which looks beautiful but creates a serious threat on the life safety of occupants due to their easy ignition and combustion properties. A magnitude of dangerous and life-threatening toxic smoke and gases are released by these materials during the burning process. Smoke hinders the safe evacuation of occupants during such incidents due to reduced visibility or incapacitation due to prolonged exposure to the harmful effects of toxic products. This has resulted in a large number of fire deaths due to asphyxiation and later due to burns. This paper will review case studies of Uphaar Cinema Fire incident in Delhi, Arpit Palace Hotel Fire in Karol Bagh, Delhi and some very recent incidents of Fire such as TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, Gujarat deriving inferences on the toxic hazards & life-threatening risk posed by burning of flammable finishing materials used in any enclosed interior spaces.

Interior Finishes, Toxic Smoke, Ignition, Combustion, Life Safety

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